Instead, the ACP argued: “A vote cast in accordance with each person’s conscience, whatever the result, deserves the respect of all.

“There is undoubtedly a moral content to this referendum, but as with many other issues, there are also social, political and pastoral dimensions.

“For that reason we are concerned that some Catholic parishes are allowing their pulpits to be used by campaigners during Mass.

“As there are, among faithful, Church-going Catholics, a great variety of opinions on this vote, we believe this is inappropriate and insensitive and will be regarded by some as an abuse of the Eucharist.

“We believe it would be better if this practice ceased for the rest of the campaign.”

But Save the Eight have no intention of following the wishes of the clergy assigned to the ACP.

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“Our campaign shares, and applauds, the deep commitment of the Christian community to the values of respect for the life and dignity of every human individual. These values and beliefs are not limited to people of faith, and are shared by people of no religion whatsoever.

“We have been delighted and honoured to accept invitations to speak to congregations about an issue that is both of social concern and of deep relevance to their spiritual beliefs.

“No person is compelled by either their church, or by our campaign, to listen to any speaker. If we have reached the point where speaking about the right to life in a Christian church is in some way controversial that would be a sign that hysteria has overtaken rational discourse in this referendum campaign.”